Ghana’s push toward universal digital access faces renewed urgency as authorities crack down on telecommunications service providers accused of evading mandatory contributions to critical infrastructure projects.
The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has announced intensified enforcement of a longstanding levy requirement, citing systemic noncompliance that has stalled rural connectivity and digital literacy programs.
Dr. Rashid Tanko, GIFEC’s Chief Executive Officer, framed the move as a corrective measure during remarks at the launch of the government’s One Million Coders initiative, a nationwide effort to expand tech skills among youth. He emphasized that licensed network support providers are legally obligated to contribute 1% of their annual investment revenues to GIFEC under the Electronic Communications Act. “This isn’t about penalization,” Tanko stated. “It’s about restoring equity to ensure every entity benefiting from Ghana’s digital ecosystem contributes to its growth.”
The fund, established to bridge urban-rural digital divides, has faced chronic underfunding despite escalating demand for services. Tanko revealed that unpaid levies amount to millions of cedis annually, directly impacting projects like rural telephony expansions and device distribution programs. Over 3,000 communities remain without reliable internet access, hindering education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Criticism also extended to previous administrations, with Tanko attributing current shortfalls to historical enforcement gaps. “Had compliance been prioritized earlier, thousands more villages would now have connectivity,” he said, underscoring GIFEC’s reliance on these funds to execute its mandate. The agency plans to audit defaulting firms this year, though specifics on penalties remain undisclosed.
The enforcement drive coincides with heightened public interest in digital inclusion, evidenced by enthusiasm for initiatives like One Million Coders. Traditional leaders and educators at the launch event echoed calls for sustained funding, linking digital access to broader national development goals.
As Ghana positions itself as a West African tech hub, the levy dispute underscores balancing private sector growth with public infrastructure needs. GIFEC’s renewed rigor mirrors regional trends, where governments increasingly hold firms accountable for shared digital advancement. Tanko urged media and civil society to amplify compliance messaging, framing it as a civic duty rather than a bureaucratic obligation.
The outcome of this crackdown may set precedents for how emerging economies fund digital public goods. While immediate revenue recovery remains priority, broader questions linger about sustainable models to support connectivity ambitions as technology evolves faster than policy frameworks. Ghana’s experience could inform similar debates across Africa, where an estimated $100 billion annual investment gap impedes digital equity goals.
